San Luis Obispo County lifts visitation restrictions at skilled nursing facilities

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. - The local executive order restricting visitors at skilled nursing facilities is being lifted, as the community slows the spread of COVID-19.

However, local skilled nursing facilities will only allow one visitor to be present with the patient at one time, following the State’s visitor limitation guidance.

The restrictions took effect on June 5 to protect SLO County's vulnerable community members.

“Visitors are an essential part of patient care and recovery and play an important role in the mental well-being of patients at skilled nursing facilities,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “Please do not visit if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or suspect that you have the virus or have been exposed to it recently. You may even want to get tested before you visit, as an added precaution. Please also follow all of the facility’s instructions on personal protective equipment and health screenings.”

All skilled nursing facilities are required to expand their existing infection control policies to include the development and implementation of a CDPH approved COVID-19 mitigation plan.

Visitors need to wear a cloth face covering when they arrive to the facility. If they are not, they should be offered a facemask or cloth face covering, as
supplies allow, and instructed to wear it while in the facility.

“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve worked to balance the science of transmission with the needs that we, as humans, have for connection,” Dr. Borenstein said. “At this time, we believe the right processes are in place to effectively manage both.”

For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903.

A staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.